Centre to help people with drug and alcohol problems launches in bath
The Beehive
A major new centre in Bath to help advise and treat people with drug and alcohol problems is being opened by the charity Developing Health and Independence (DHI).
DHI has set up The Beehive, off Walcot Street, which will help around 800 people a year. The centre will be officially opened by the new Mayor of Bath, Councillor Bryan Chalker, on Friday (17 June).
DHI can offer help and support to anyone who has drink or drug problems or who is concerned about a partner or family member. The service is for people taking illegal drugs such as heroin, crack cocaine, cannabis and ketamine, and legal drugs such as benzodiazepines, over-the-counter medications and alcohol.
People who are looking for help can drop in at The Beehive, in Beehive Yard, BA1 5BD or ring 01225 329411. Referrals from other agencies are also welcome.
DHI can offer services including counselling, training, employment and volunteering opportunities, resettlement and support for families and carers.
The charity also runs activities which help people to gain confidence, develop an interest and meet others to build a social life. The emphasis is not just upon treating people but on helping them back to independent life and recovery.
DHI's statistics show that in the year to 31 May 2011, its clients reduced their substance taking by 55 per cent. This is an average figure, so some will have stopped using drink or drugs completely.
One client who has been helped is John. John served as a medic in the army in the first Gulf War in 1990, leaving soon after with post-traumatic disorder syndrome. He learnt to cook and found work in prestigious hotels, but his difficulties coping with his problems made it hard to settle down and he started sleeping rough and taking heroin. After going through detox he came to DHI and has recently has begun working part-time, and is considering applying for full-time work as a chef. More on John
DHI helps its clients to get employment, which is important in overcoming drink and drug problems and becoming less dependent. As part of this, two former DHI clients will have the chance to undertake an apprenticeship as trainee drug workers in paid posts and work towards national vocational qualifications. The charity is also offering opportunities to volunteers.
The Beehive has a library and computer equipment where clients can write their CVs and surf the net for jobs, and a garden for relaxation. DHI is also operating in Midsomer Norton, from the Rural Recovery Hub in the High Street, as part of the same programme.
Rosie Phillips, DHI Chief Executive, said: "The emphasis here is on helping people back to independent living. In order to do this we respond to clients' needs by offering programmes tailored to them individually.
"DHI deals not only with the health and emotional well-being of our clients but also real practical issues such as poor housing and a lack of basic education and employable skills that can get in the way of recovery.
"Our services are for people from all walks of life - we can help anyone who needs help and is prepared to make changes."
As well running as its drug and alcohol services, DHI helps people who are socially excluded through physical illness, learning disabilities, unemployment, mental ill health, homelessness or other reasons. Its most recent project was to set up a stall at Green Park Market selling vegetables and flowers on Thursday afternoons which its clients run.
DHI has other offices in Monmouth Street and Milsom Street in Bath and also works in Wiltshire, Somerset and South Gloucestershire.
Rosie Phillips and the Mayor Bath are pictured below.
For more information contact:
Tony Trueman
DHI PR/Fundraiser
07792 062 154
tonytrueman@dhibath.org.uk
